Israeli National Ice Hockey Team - Big Win at IIHF Championship vs. New Zealand

The Israeli national ice hockey team had a great day today, scoring a 3-2 win over New Zealand at the IIHF World Hockey Championships in Izmit, Turkey.  Israel and New Zealand play in Division II, group B, which includes other hockey powerhouses Bulgaria, China, Mexico and Turkey.

After three games of round robin competition, Israel now sits in first place, undefeated so far.  They play Bulgaria tomorrow and Mexico on Saturday.  The winner of this tournament will move up to play in Division II, Group A at next year's IIHF tournament.

Israeli ice hockey star Daniel Erlich

In another game today, Mexico defeated Bulgaria 8-7 in a shootout.  Mexico has one loss.  However, because it won in overtime today, it will not be able to catch Israel in the standings if Israel wins one of its two remaining games.  Only New Zealand is still a threat to Israel's first place position if Israel drops its two remaining games or  even if it loses one and ties one.    A win tomorrow against Bulgaria (which is winless so far) and Israel would be almost certain to win the tournament.   

Prior to this year, the Israeli national team's best achievement was a trip to Divison I following a big win in 2005 in the Division II group A tournament.  They were quickly relegated back to Division II the following year.

Israel's current national team is coached by Canadian Jean Peron.

Israeli ice hockey star Oren Eizenman

Three of the tournament's five top scorers in this group so far are Israelis, including Daniel Erlich (of the University of Western Ontario), Oren Eizenman and Maxim Birbraer who are 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. 

None of this is likely to make the headlines in Israel, which is obsessed with soccer and basketball and has little time for ice hockey.  Perhaps, if Israel actually wins the tournament, there will be some press coverage.

However, with the opening of the Israel's second major ice facility in Holon, there is a real opportunity for Israel to continue to develop its ice hockey program.  Aspiring Israeli ice hockey players will be able to train in the centre of the country and will not have to travel more than 150 km to Metullah for some ice time.

Even with more ice time in Holon, the Israeli ice hockey team is not likely to threaten Canada any time soon.   But a spot in group A of Division II would see Israel play against a group of higher calibre teams next year.  The real goal would be to try to win that tournament and secure a spot in Division I for the following year.  It will take some really shifty stickhandling for Israel to score a spot in that world class Division.

Dealing with Terrorism: In the U.S. and in Israel

Boston Terrorist Incident

Israelis have been quick to send their heartfelt condolences to Americans on the occasion of last week's terrorist bombing in Boston.  Unfortunately, Israel has far too much experience in dealing with these types of incidents.  Even though this attack was reportedly carried out by two Chechens who had recently adopted a form of radical Islam, it would be quite a stretch to say that this attack has anything to do with Israel - notwithstanding the fact that at least one of the bombers reportedly yelled "Free Palestine" at some point.  The only relationship between this attack and the attacks that Israel has faced so often over the course of its history is that they are both types are cowardly, terrorist attacks designed to kill and maim large numbers of innocent civilians.

Terrorist attacks have a significant effect on the societies in which they occur.  One need only look at the level of airport security that we now all face, post 9/11, to contemplate the effects of terrorism.  In the U.S., the effect has spilled over to security at numerous events from sporting events to political rallies, with airport type security measures so often ubiquitous.  Yet, the U.S. continues to be a remarkably free country, which makes it such an easy target for terrorists and crazed mass murderers.  In fact, given that Congress recently defeated proposed gun-control legislation, it is probably still one of the easiest places in the world to purchase a weapon and commit unspeakable acts of horror.

The Boston attack had nothing to do with gun control but it was an attack that took advantage of a very free society and one that is still free from the daily struggle with security issues of the type that Israel faces.  Unfortunately, here in Israel, Israelis are constantly required to be vigilant about abandoned packages, bags and luggage.  A left back will attract immediate calls for help, calls to the police and quick area evacuations.  This is the sad legacy of numerous terrorist incidents.

Israeli Bomb Disposal Robot

A few years ago, not long after we first arrived here, our son left his school knapsack on the side of the road while playing some sports.  He forgot it there and headed home. Just minutes later, an Israeli bomb disposal vehicle arrived and tore open the knapsack.  The math books were saved, but the durable Roots bag was a distant memory.   Israelis who see an unattended knapsack or other package act quickly.  They know that lives can depend on their actions.

Just last week, while I was leaving the airport, I saw a woman leave her suitcase unattended for a very brief time.  Security personnel quickly began asking about the ownership of the bag and preparing to take action.  The woman returned and received a sharp scolding from the security officers who were ready to have the suitcase detonated.

Israelis are accustomed to facing airport style security in many places - the entrance to malls, concerts, just about any public gathering and even many restaurants and smaller facilities.  This is the burden that the society has to grapple with after so many years of terrorism.  Fortunately the number of these attacks has waned considerably in recent years but the measures are still necessary and very common. 

This same type of security challenge is one which other free, democratic countries, not only the U.S. and Canada, but numerous European countries, are likely to face increasingly over time.  The challenge for these countries, just as it is for Israel, is to find the balance between implementing sufficient security measures and placing unnecessary restraints on a free public.  It seems to me that Israel's airport security, for example, does a far better job in this regard.  There is no need for every single person to take off their shoes  and belt when travelling, just to ensure that everyone is treated equally.  This simply creates an unnecessary convenience for millions of travellers.  

On the other hand, it will certainly be a sad day in the United States and other western democracies if things get to the point where anyone wishing to enter a mall must pass through a metal detector and an airport security type station.  While that is the reality in Israel, Israelis are not wishing it on others.  On the contrary, Israelis are hoping that we will get to the point where these measures will not be necessary here.  Unfortunately, for now, it does not look like that day will arrive any time soon. 

Israeli Airline Employees Strike to Protest Open Skies Agreement With EU

Planning to fly to or from Israel over the next few days on an Israeli airline?  You better check your schedule carefully.  Employees of Israeli airlines, El-Al, Arkia and Israir, began an "open-ended strike" this morning at 5 a.m. to protest an "Open-Skies" agreement that the Israeli government reached recently with the EU.

Israir Airlines

The Open Skies agreement was apparently concluded in July 2012 but has not yet been passed by Israel's cabinet.  Under the agreement, all EU airlines would be able to fly to Israel and Israeli airlines would be able to fly to any destination in the EU.  It is expected that this could increase tourism to Israel and reduce air travel prices significantly for Israelis.  However, according to YNet News, Israel's online news source, Israeli TV station, Channel 10, ran a story that the Israeli Transportation Ministry had warned of the potential collapse of El Al - Israel's largest airline - in the case of an Open Skies deal.  According to Channel 10, the Ministry did not bring the report to the government's attention or to the attention of the public.  The Ministry apparently denies that it concealed the report.

El Al Airlines

Israeli airline employees are apparently worried about potential lay-offs, redundancies and the overall economic consequences that they will face if this Open Skies deal proceeds.  One of the major concerns is that the Israeli airlines have significantly higher security costs and the EU airlines will not be required to incur these same costs.  Another concern relates to whether or not the Open Skies deal actually provides for guaranteed landing spots in EU cities.  Apparently, the deal does guarantee quite a number of spots for EU airlines to land in Israel.

The Israeli cabinet is meeting to discuss the matter and various talks are being held.  It is unclear where this is all headed and whether other air travel in and out of Israel will be affected.  But for now, travelling on one of the three Israeli airlines is sure to be a challenge.

Arkia Airlines

I

Shirat Machar Summer Tour 2013

The Israeli musical group Shirat Machar is trying to put together a North American tour this summer (2013).  They are hoping to visit a number of cities including Toronto, New York, Washington, Boston and St. Louis.  They also plan to perform at Camp Ramah locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Shirat Machar is made up of a group of eleven 14-18 year old singers, selected from Israel's NOAM movement (the equivalent of USY - the Conservative youth movement in North America).

The group has released a number of CDs.  It has performed live across Israel on a number of occasions, including some very special events attended by the President of Israel, Shimon Peres.

For some members of the group, this will be their last chance for a tour as they will be entering the Israeli army for their compulsory national service.  Members of Shirat Machar are hoping that this will be the best set of concerts that the group has performed.

A group of backers have set up a funding opportunity on Kick Starter.(Click here).
The group is hoping to raise at least $10,000 U.S. to help fund the tour.  This will be a unique opportunity for the members of the group but, even more so, for those who are lucky enough to have the chance to see them perform live.  They are energetic, youthful and extremely talented.  Their performances combine contemporary Israeli pop music with more traditional Jewish-influenced music, some drawn from liturgical sources.  This group of Israeli youth shows a different face of Israel, the inspiring, hopeful and egalitarian side.

Please consider passing this link on to whomever might be interested in supporting Shirat Machar - and in seeing them perform live in North America.  If you are interested in making a contribution, you can use the link above.  This is still a conditional request - the contribution will only be accepted if the project goes ahead. 

If you are looking for a taste of Shirat Machar music - try this link to Some Nights or this link to Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen Version). 

Many thanks and best regards,

Ken
 

Yom Haatzmaut 2013 - Chag Sameach

I was fortunate to be able to get back to Israel for Yom Haatzmaut - Israel Independence Day - in time to celebrate Israel's 65th anniversary.  I was away for an extended period to have the chance to celebrate Pesach in Toronto - so it is nice to be back for such a great occasion.

Yom Haatzmaut, of course, is always the day after Yom Hazikaron - Israeli Rememberance Day.  For Israelis, the cost of building and maintaining a state has been tremendous.  More than 22,000 solidiers have been killed in defending the State and some 4,000 civilians have been killed in terrorist attacks.  Of course, the line between soldier and civilian in Israel is very much blurred since most Israelis are conscripted to serve in the army for some period of time and then become available as reserves for years afterwards.  It is fitting that Israel remembers its fallen so poignantly the day before celebrating Independence Day.  It is reminder of the bittersweet essence of life.  It also undescores the level of honour, respect and dignity shown to those who have lost their lives or been injured fighting for the freedom of rest of us.  In Israel, on Yom Hazikaron, a siren sounds at 11 a.m. and everyone stops for a moment of silence.  Cars pull over on the highway and drivers get out of their cars.  Buses pull over and all of the passengers get out of the bus and stand for a moment of silence.  Everything comes to a complete halt.  Radio stations play sombre music all day.
 
As the sun sets, Yom Haatzmaut begins and the country shifts from commemoration to celebration.

In the evening, Erev Yom Haatzmaut, (the holiday begins the night before as with every other Jewish holiday), there are concerts and events across the country.   We attended the Ra'anana celebrations, which this year featured Rami Kleinstein and Harel Skat. 

Ra'anana has close to 80,000 residents.  I wouldn't want to try to guess how many were in the park but it was quite a signficant number.  There were food vendors selling everything from pizza to hamburgers, bourekas to ice cream - and other vendors selling all kinds of must have items for kids ranging from glow in the dark watches and blow-up hammers to helium balloons and all kinds of crazy hats and headgear.

At one end of the park was the main stage.  It featured various kids' dance troupes for the first couple of hours, accompanied by recorded music.  Some of the dance groups were elementary school students and others were semi-professional dancers from some of the city's sophisticated high school dance programs.  Of course, this was hardly religious or even Israeli music.  Most of the dancing was accompanied by current pop, rap, hip-hop or other North American and British influenced music.  All of the groups were well rehearsed and some were quite entertaining.

At about 10 p.m., the City ran a 10-15 minute fireworks display.  After that, Israeli singer Harel Skat performed on the main stage.  He is quite young, having been a runner-up in the Israeli version of American Idol.  He was quite entertaining and the audience enjoyed his music.  His set was only about a half hour long but it was really good.  Most well known Israeli performers go from city to city playing at a number of venues on Yom Haatzmaut - and earning huge fees.  I don't know what Skat's schedule was like - but the Israeli papers reported that singer Eyal Golan was performing at five venues and earning about 120,000 shequels per performance (each of which were probably about a half hour long).

After Skat's peformance ended, the next performer due up was Rami Kleinstein.  He was nowhere to be found at 10:30 p.m. - probably at some other performance - so the crowd was subjected to a tortorous DJ using a stage name of "Brian's Freak Show."  He hurled obscenities at the crowd and played atrociously vulgar music, mostly uncensored rap and house music.  It is little wonder that Ra'anana's religious community runs a second stage at the other end of the park, which features, primarily, religious music.  At the main stage, which included many young children, this DJ's performance was simply obscene.  (And of course, many of you know that MY threshold is reasonably high...).  I actually found it shocking that the city of Ra'anana would celebrate its Independence Day with such a vulguar performance.  I think many agreed with me.  Even those who were waiting to see Rami Kleinstein began to lose patience as this assault continued for about 1 1/2 hours.  The audience thinned noticeably though that was also due to the fact that it was getting quite late.  Even the intended target audience did not seem totally thrilled with this filler D.J. 

So by the time Rami Kleinstein showed up, and Brian's "freak show" mercifully ended, many of the people who would have enjoyed Kleinstein had left.  He performed for about a half hour and it was a great show - but it was not his ideal crowd.  Where in his live peformances, people all sing along and dance to his music, the reception here was much more subdued.

We left the park around midnight, even though the party was continuing on until 4 or 5 a.m.  My son tells me that there was a DJ called "Eazy" playing predominantly "dub step" starting at about 12:30 a.m.  It Sounds like it was even worse than "Brian's Freak Show."  I suppose each generation complains about the musical tastes of the younger generation.  But there is lots of great new music out there today, much of it popular with young crowds. So it is puzzling to me why the biggest public celebrations would feature the trashiest type of entertainment.

On Yom Haatzmaut itself, we slept in and missed morning tefilloth.  Many observant Israelis include a special Hallel prayer on Yom Haatzmaut, a prayer that is reservered for the most important holy days on the Jewish calendar.  But when we finally woke up, we performed the Israeli duty of having a barbecue on Independence Day...which was followed by a really nice, festive Birkat Hamazon to make up for the service that we had missed in the morning.

Israelis also celebrate by Independence Day by holding an International Bible Contest in Jerusalem (the finals of an event that takes place all over the world).  As well, Israeli President Shimon Peres hosted a musical event at the President's residence.

Overall, there are many opportunities to enjoy wonderful music, to celebrate with people everywhere and to contemplate Israel's future and past accomplishments.  Maybe next year, we will find a different venue for the evening event with more tasteful entertainment (not that I'm complaining about either Rami Kleinstein or Harel Skat, both of whom were great). 

Chag Sameach from Israel!

Blackberry Z10 in Israel: Not Kosher?

Blackberry Z10

For: April 1, 2013

Although the new Blackberry Z10 is apparently selling well in some markets, especially Canada, it is likely to face some hurdles in Israel unless it is re-branded.

During Hol-Hamoed this week, Rabbi Tolayim, a Satmar Rabbi from Mea She'arim, issued a pasuk barring his followers from using blackberries.

"It is well known that there is an increasingly high risk of insect infestation with blackberries and blueberries, particularly when they are cleaned without proper supervision.  These berries are also highly susceptible to worm attacks which can destroy everything from the inside out.  As a result, we must insist that Torah-observant Jews refrain from using blackberries, blueberries or similar devices unless they are under proper full-time supervision."

While berries can be thoroughly cleaned and will then be Kosher approved, they must be soaked completely in water, agitated and then rinsed.  This is obviously impractical for most smart phones.  I can tell you this from personal experience, having witnessed the tragic demise of a family member's cell phone that went through a washing machine cycle.  (No names released here....).  In any event, the Star-K guidelines for cleaning blackberries properly can be found here.

Rabbi Tolayim has asked the Knesset to issue an outright ban on these devices.  He has also been in contact with newly elected Cabinet Minister Naftali Bennett to ask about Israeli government involvement in a negotiated settlement.  The ultra-orthodox have apparently proposed other names for the device that would lower the risk of contamination.  "Grape" was considered for use in Israel since Israel has so many vineyards.  However, they quickly determined that these devices would be impractical as they could only be turned on or off by observant Jews.  "Strawberrry" was rejected as it would have created some of the same concerns as with the other berries, especially if the device was available in a green colour.  According to some Kashruth agencies, the top (green part) of the strawberry should be always be removed before the strawberry is served (or used, in this case).  "Orange" was not approved as it is already the name of one of Israel's largest cell phone companies. 

The updated, rabbincally approved list of alternate names currently includes "date" ("tamar"), "pepper,"("pilpel") "watermelon,"("avatiach") "celery" ("selery") and "carrot." ("gezer").  It is unclear which name Rabbi Tolayim and his followers will favour and whether Blackberry (formerly RIM) will agree to a special re-branding for the Israeli market.  However, according to spokespeople from Blackberry, avatiach was too much of a mouthful.  "Celery" was considered too bland and carrot might evoke red-head ("jinji") jokes in Israel.  It is expected that "pepper" and "date" (pilpel and tamar) will be the frontrunners although some Israeli ex-Montrealers have already raised concerns about calling anything a "pepper."

This whole controversy comes less than a year after Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, a Jerusalem Rabbi, ordered his followers to burn their Iphones, as reported in the Huffington Post here and the Jerusalem Post, here. I assure you that these postings are not fabricated.  You can't make some of this stuff up!

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky

Meanwhile, Samsung has apparently escaped much of this nomenclature controversy in Israel, which bodes well for the Galaxy 4,which is due to be released shortly.  Despite the ongoing controversy over the age of the universe, the Galaxy has not attracted as much rabbinical condemnation as the other devices.   

Israelis can take comfort that the new Minister of Religious Affairs in Israel will come from the Yesh Atid political party.  This is likely to lead to the liberalization of many religious laws in Israel.  It is anticipated that obstacles to the sale of blackberries, apples, blueberries and other fruit-named smartphones will soon be eliminated.

Now that we are about half way through pesach, perhaps the same logic will apply to the eating of kitniyot (legumes).  Perhaps by next year, with the change to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ashkenazi Rabbis everywhere (or at least throughout Israel) will realize that the kitniyot ban has nothing to do with hametz and that there is no legitimate legal (halachic) reason for banning corn, rice and various types of beans from the Pesach table.    

In the meantime, the same logic that causes observant Ashkenazi Jews to shun kitniyot during Pesach will continue to cause the ultra-orthodox to avoid fruit-named smartphones, especially those smartphones that are named after fruit that carry high risks of insect infestation.

President Obama In Israel

 As everyone knows, U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a speech yesterday to a group of Israelis at the Jerusalem Convention Center.  The full text of the speech is here, courtesy of YNet news.   If you would prefer to watch the full speech, the You Tube link for it is here.

President Obama did not present any kind of peace proposal during his brief visit to Israel.  Nor did he propose any specific details in reviewing the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. 

As is often the case when political leaders deliver speeches, the speech has been criticized from the right and the left.  Some, on the left, including the Israeli left, would have preferred President Obama to propose a peace plan and then arm twist both sides into accepting it.  This was the approach taken by President Clinton.  The difficulty is that, by most accounts, Israel made significant, meaningful concessions but still could not come to a deal with the Palestinians.  While many in the international community believe that Israel is the obstinate party, that is probably a significant distortion of reality.  It seems fairly clear that both sides will have to make concessions if a peace deal is to be concluded. 

Others, on the right, including newly elected MK and cabinet minister Naftali Bennett argued that an Israeli withdrawal from disputed territories would lead to an extremely precarious security situation for Israel.  Bennett referred to the missile attacks that Israel has faced in Sderot since leaving Gaza unilaterally.  To make its point during President Obama's visit, Hamas fired a number of missiles at Sderot while Obama was visiting.

Ultimately, the President's speech was very well written and well delivered. President Obama touched on a number of themes, including the shared bond between the people of the United States and the people of Israel.  He referenced the upcoming holiday of pesach (Passover) and tied the Exodus story to the history of African-Americans in the United States.  And then he moved to the argument that peace is necessary, just and possible.

It is beyond my blog to consider each of those three points in great detail.  I believe most Israelis would have a hard time disputing the idea that peace is necessary (though there are certainly a few).  I also think that most Israelis would accept that peace is "just" though there would certainly be a dispute over what a "just" settlement might look like.  The most significant push-back would probably be over the issue of whether peace is currently possible.  The optimist in all of us wants to believe that peace is possible.  We hope it is.  I think many, if not most Israelis are willing to make significant concessions and sacrifices for peace.  But there will need to be the same attitude towards concessions and sacrifices on the other side.

Many on the right, inside and outside of Israeli criticized President Obama for having visited Egypt early on in his presidency but not visiting Israel.  Leading up to the election, some thought he might visit Israel before the election, which, of course, may have been viewed somewhat cynically.  Now, early on in his second term, President Obama chose to plan a trip to Israel.  Those same right wing commentators, such as Caroline Glick, who had criticized President Obama for not having visited earlier, criticized him now for coming to Israel and for the "hidden motives" that he may have had  in doing so.   

One of Caroline Glick's points is certainly noteworthy.  I think it is fair comment to criticize President Obama for not addressing Israel's Knesset.  He was apparently invited, but chose to speak in a convention center instead, in front of a hand picked group of Israelis.  Giving a speech to a large group of Israelis is certainly a wonderful idea.  But President Obama really does need to engage Israel's elected officials, even those with whom he disagrees.

Overall, it seems to me that this was a positive visit.  President Obama reaffirmed and strengthened his relationship with Israel and its leaders.  There were no major incidents with Prime Minister Netanyahu and that relationship may have also improved somewhat.  It is unclear whether President Obama has managed to increase his popularity among the Israeli public, which according to some approval rating surveys, sits as low as 10%.    

The difficult challenges are ahead, as President Obama and his team will need to work with Israel's newly elected government and with the Palestinian leadership to move things ahead.  So far, there is little indication how or when that might happen.